Chapter V of Animal Farm represents a turning point in the novel. Snowball has worked tirelessly on his plans for the windmill so that all the animals can live a better life and the farm can prosper. Mollie's running away foreshadows events that will follow as the animals are dissatisfied, even if they are not really aware of it. Whilst enthusiastic about Snowball's plans, they are far too complicated for the other animals to comprehend and to mask their confusion, they regularly chant " "Four legs good, two legs bad."

Changing chapter V to suit Snowball would possibly start after:

"By the time he (Snowball) had finished speaking, there was no doubt as to which way the vote would go."

Consider the following:

Napoleon lets out a sorrowful "whimper," too ineffective to cause any disturbance. The dogs sit anxiously outside the barn, as if waiting for a signal, but none comes. Snowball walks triumphantly past the dogs with the animals all clambering after him in their excitement. Napoleon is left alone in the barn, powerless. Not even Squealer can be found to support him in this time of defeat. Napoleon calls angrily to the dogs which are "not yet full-grown, ...huge dogs, as fierce-looking as wolves. They keep close to Napoleon, ...and wag their tails." The situation is similar to when Mr Jones' dogs would surround him, wagging their tails, waiting for approval. The brass-studded collars, perhaps intended to be a threatening symbol, are nothing more threatening than Mollie's ribbons.

Snowball, with the animals following him, now mounts the raised portion of the floor "where Major had previously stood to deliver his speech." How the animals had loved Major. He had been their inspiration and the animals break into a rendition of Beasts of England in his honor. Snowball announces that work on the windmill will start without delay and the animals are elated at the prospect. They know it will be hard work but with Major's memory firmly entrenched and Snowball's inspiring words, they are ready to set to work. Napoleon tries to scare the animals and approaches with the dogs who "let out deep, menacing growls." The sheep, in true style, and perhaps a little bit intimidated, start to chant "four legs good, two legs bad" which puts "an end to any chance" of opposition by Napoleon.

To reassure the animals, especially the sheep, Snowball stresses that "leadership" will be a pleasure and that although "it is a deep and heavy responsibility,no one believes more firmly that all animals are equal" and therefore the animals mustn't worry about making poor decisions. Snowball will help them every step of the way. Even Boxer voices his approval-"If Comrade Snowball says it, it must be right." Boxer reassures the animals "Snowball is always right," and reminds them that "I will work harder."

Napoleon, "a dangerous character and a bad influence" decides to leave the farm. Squealer and the dogs and a few others go with him. There are rumors that Napoleon is plotting with the farmers to return but, for the time being at least, the plan to build the windmill can proceed "without his interference" and work on the windmill commences.